Menu
01/05/2002
Victims to benefit from revised compensation scheme
Victims of violent crime are set to benefit from new and improved compensation arrangements, which came into force on May Day.
From May 1, 2002, anyone who is the victim of a violent crime can avail of a simpler and quicker way to get compensation for personal injury.
The new scheme will also help those who have suffered in the past from childhood sexual offences, and were unable to get compensation because they did not make a claim until after the current three year time limit had expired.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 is the result of a review undertaken by victims' commissioner Sir Kenneth Bloomfield and former secretary of state Mo Mowlam.
The new tariff-based scheme will remove the lengthy negotiations required under the common law system and reduce the trauma for victims of reliving distressing experiences.
Tariff awards for payment for pain and suffering, range from £1,000 for multiple minor injuries to £280,000 for permanent brain damage.
On top of this, victims who suffer the more serious injuries can get additional compensation, with no upper maximum limit, for loss of earnings or earning capacity and the cost of care or other medical expenses.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne said: "I believe that the new scheme brings many improvements to the current system and will make the process of applying for compensation, at a difficult and traumatic time, much quicker and easier for a majority of people."
Dependents in fatal cases will continue to qualify for compensation for financial loss.
(AMcE)
From May 1, 2002, anyone who is the victim of a violent crime can avail of a simpler and quicker way to get compensation for personal injury.
The new scheme will also help those who have suffered in the past from childhood sexual offences, and were unable to get compensation because they did not make a claim until after the current three year time limit had expired.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 is the result of a review undertaken by victims' commissioner Sir Kenneth Bloomfield and former secretary of state Mo Mowlam.
The new tariff-based scheme will remove the lengthy negotiations required under the common law system and reduce the trauma for victims of reliving distressing experiences.
Tariff awards for payment for pain and suffering, range from £1,000 for multiple minor injuries to £280,000 for permanent brain damage.
On top of this, victims who suffer the more serious injuries can get additional compensation, with no upper maximum limit, for loss of earnings or earning capacity and the cost of care or other medical expenses.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne said: "I believe that the new scheme brings many improvements to the current system and will make the process of applying for compensation, at a difficult and traumatic time, much quicker and easier for a majority of people."
Dependents in fatal cases will continue to qualify for compensation for financial loss.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 May 2004
Fraudulent claims cost £5m from public funds
A scheme aimed at compensating individuals affected by terrorism in Northern Ireland is believed to have cost public funds more than £5 million in fraudulent claims.
Fraudulent claims cost £5m from public funds
A scheme aimed at compensating individuals affected by terrorism in Northern Ireland is believed to have cost public funds more than £5 million in fraudulent claims.
02 September 2013
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
02 July 2012
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
16 May 2016
Alliance Support Claim For Out-Of-Court Compensation Scheme
A new report has called for an out-of-court redress scheme for the victims and survivors of institutional child abuse.
Alliance Support Claim For Out-Of-Court Compensation Scheme
A new report has called for an out-of-court redress scheme for the victims and survivors of institutional child abuse.
13 March 2017
Govt Called To Fund Compensation For Victims Of Historical Institutional Abuse
Sinn Féin is calling on the British Government to fund compensation payments to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland. The party's leader, Michelle O'Neill, confirmed she recently discussed the issue with NI Secretary James Brokenshiire.
Govt Called To Fund Compensation For Victims Of Historical Institutional Abuse
Sinn Féin is calling on the British Government to fund compensation payments to victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland. The party's leader, Michelle O'Neill, confirmed she recently discussed the issue with NI Secretary James Brokenshiire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
